Since summer is sadly coming to an end, fall and winter will be here before we know it. I want to take the time to tell everyone about an independent non-profit charity in Toledo, Ohio that helps out those who lack access to winter necessities.
Anyone from Toledo knows that the weather is unpredictable. We can experience blazing heat on one day, then snow the next. We can even experience all four seasons in one day. Us Toledoans have to dress for the weather- not the season.
According to the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) in Lucas county, 564 people were homeless as of 2015. Those who are homeless do not have the proper clothing to keep them warm and are more prone to getting hypothermia. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless 700 homeless people die, annually, due to hypothermia.
One caring little girl, named Hannah, thought about those people on one Thanksgiving while she and her mom were helping serve dinner at Cherry Street Mission. Hannah noticed a man with his toes exposed because his shoes were so worn down, she asked her mom if his feet were going go be cold. Hannah's mom didn't want her to worry so she told him that his shoes would keep his feet warm. Hannah, unconvinced told her mom that the man could have her socks. The very next day Hannah and her mom donated 100 pairs of socks to local shelters.
Ever since that Thanksgiving day in 2005 over half a million socks have been donated by Hannah's Socks to families in our area. The charity also focuses on providing warm clothing necessities to the homeless, victims of domestic violence and underprivileged children.
Hannah's Socks has several different ways for people to give back to our community but the most common way is to hold a sock drive. To hold a sock drive all you have to do is get a group together and contact Hannah's socks to let them know you are collecting. You can also volunteer for the organization which involves taking inventory of socks, work a booth at an event or hand out socks.
Even though a pair of socks seems like a small gesture, it can make a big difference to those going through a hard time.
"Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember, you don't live in the world all of your own." Albert Schweitzer
